Every Trail Project
Finishing my first 50k which I ran completely within Prairie Oaks Metro Park In March when, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Ohio issued a stay-at-home order, I know I’m not the only one who said to myself “I hope this doesn’t include Metro Parks.” I was relieved when through the hard work and diligence of the Metro Parks staff that the parks would be staying open and now, almost 7 months into the pandemic, they remain a gift to all of us. Since March 23 (the beginning of the Ohio’s first stay-at-home order) I have run over 430 miles in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks alone. The parks have been an escape for me, a place to find peace and a connection to nature during these challenging times. A few weeks ago as I reflected on how important the parks have been to me and to so many, I decided I wanted to do something that could celebrate, bring awareness to and even raise a few dollars for our Metro Parks. That is when the idea for the Every Trail Project came